Happy Thursday, Notable young professionals. You know what that means: time to start your weekend on the early side and another installment of your favourite weekly read, the Weekender…
Thursday
It’s a double whammy over at Lisa Marie tonight. First they’re launching a brand new menu with items inspired by foods seen on Rebel Without a Kitchen, Season 2 – featuring more comfort street food dishes like Moroccan shortribs and Creole poutine. Plus, they’re starting a new weekly craft beer series called Tap That where a guest craft beer will head into Lisa Marie, showcasing a number of brews for $2 half pints. Tap That launches with Sawdust City Beer.
The 5th annual Frocktail Party goes down tonight at Arcadian Loft in support of Juvenile Diabetes. Fashion is the centrepiece of this avant-garde fundraiser, with a spectacular auction of pieces from top designers and brands, as well as a host of tasty bites and delicious drinks. This is one fundraiser you don’t want to miss!
Friday
King Rustic recently opened on, not surprisingly, King West, and is a restaurant and lounge that caters to the discerning diners of DT West. They’ve an eclectic mix of food on offer – apropos given the multicultural nature of Toronto. There are also a slew of fusion cocktails, brunch on offer, and more surprises to come as they leave soft launch and enter full mode. Try it out Friday night.
On Friday night at the Kool Haus in the Guvernment Complex, get your mo’ on at the finale of Movember in Toronto. The Gala Parté will see mo-bros and mo-sisters out in fine form, winning prizes for such titular accomplishments like Ultimate Mo and Lame Mo. DJs Dwayne Gretzky, Mensa, and New Money will be laying down the tunes.
Saturday
For any who thought the burger trend has long since fizzled out, we’ve got some news for you: it hasn’t, and if anything it might starting all over again. Introducing TOMA Burger Addiction, another new burger joint on Queen West that’s serving up classic yet creative takes on our favourite handheld eats. Check ’em out to cure your hangover Saturday late morning.
Sure, it will be filled with countless families and screaming children, but Toronto’s Cavalcade of Lights makes a good option for some QT with the nieces or nephews or your significant other on Saturday evening. The 47th annual Cavalcade of Lights officially kicks of holiday season in Toronto with the illumination of Toronto’s official Christmas tree, performances by some of Canada’s top musical talent, a brilliant fireworks show, and a skating party at Nathan Phillips Square.
Over in the Annex you’ll see a new outpost of the Playa Cabana Empire. This one’s dubbed Barrio Coreano, and it definitely breaks the mould created by three other locations. Barrio has a Korean-inspired ingredient list in the famed tacos (appropriate being at Koreatown) as well as cocktails. Late-night Saturday eats? Done!
Sunday
‘Tis the season for beauty and benevolence, and you’ll find one of the most stunningly picturesque marketplaces in the city down at the Distillery Historic District starting Friday and running through December 15th. Yes, the European-inspired Toronto Christmas Market is taking over the whole District for just over two weeks of joy and merriment in celebration of the holidays. Mosey about it on Sunday afternoon.
Cafe Boulud at the Four Seasons recently launched a delectable Family Feasts Menu aimed at large format portions perfect for sharing. Make a reservation for Sunday night dinner and sidle up to their communal table where you can nosh on eats like Stuffed Suckling Pig or Roasted Cote de Boeuf. #NomNomNom!
Top photo courtesy Cafe Bouloud
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